Karachi Division

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan has held the administration of Gul Plaza responsible for the loss of lives in the recent fire incident, citing serious violations of building safety protocols and failure to implement basic fire prevention measures.
According to the fire department, the building management failed to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to fire safety. Officials said the absence of an immediate public announcement about the fire delayed evacuation, leaving several people trapped inside the building during the emergency.
The chief fire officer further stated that emergency exits were either blocked or inaccessible, which prevented occupants from evacuating the building safely. In addition, electricity was reportedly disconnected without first ensuring the evacuation of people trapped inside, further complicating rescue operations.
Authorities noted that commercial buildings are required to maintain functional fire safety systems, including clearly marked emergency exits, alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and evacuation protocols. The failure to comply with these requirements can significantly increase the risk of casualties during fire emergencies.
The fire department emphasized that strict adherence to building safety regulations and emergency response procedures is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials have called for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards in commercial buildings across the city to ensure public safety.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Karachi’s traffic police have announced that several major roads in the city will remain closed on Friday due to security arrangements for Quds Day rallies. According to a statement from the Office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Traffic, a religious group will hold a “Youm-e-Quds Rally” after Friday prayers, marching from Numaish Chowrangi to Aman Tower.
As per the advisory, the road from Boat Basin towards Jinnah Bridge will remain closed, while the M.T. Khan Road from PIDC to Jinnah Bridge will also be closed in both directions.
Traffic police have suggested alternative routes to ensure smooth traffic flow: Travelers from Teen-Hatti to Tower can use Gurumandar, Soldier Bazaar, Bahadur Yar Jung Road, Holy Family Hospital, or turn left at Banori Signal towards PP Chowrangi and Corridor-3.
From Nazimabad to Tower, commuters can take Lasbella, turn right onto Nishtar Road, and continue via Ranchore Lines and Civil Hospital.
From Fresco Chowk or Eidgah Chowk to Numaish, commuters can go via Tibbi Chowk and turn right to Regal Chowk and Empress Market, or left towards Jubilee, Agha Khan III Road, and Soldier Bazaar.
Traffic from Daudpota Road or Lucky Star heading to Numaish will be diverted at Preedy Chowk towards Saddar Dawakhana, PP Chowrangi, then left to Regal Chowk.
Travelers from Garden Zoo to Zaibunnisa Street are advised to use Agha Khan III Road, Coast Guard, Bahadur Yar Jung Road, Soldier Bazaar, or Uncle Saria Hospital before turning right to Saeed Manzil.
Traffic from Boat Basin to M.A. Jinnah Road will be diverted through a U-turn, while vehicles from PIDC towards Jinnah Bridge will be redirected to Khajoor Chowk. Traffic from Jinnah Bridge will be diverted to I.I. Chundrigar Road.
Traffic police personnel will be deployed along the routes to guide commuters and maintain traffic flow. The advisory applies to Karachi’s South and West districts. Citizens have been urged to follow alternative routes and contact the Traffic Police Helpline 1915 for assistance.
The Sindh government has declared 13 March a public holiday across the province to facilitate the observance of Al-Quds Day. All government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, corporations, and local councils will remain closed, except for essential services.
According to Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Al-Quds Day is observed globally to show solidarity with Palestinians and protest Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Karachi authorities have arranged rallies and gatherings to mark the occasion. The main rally will start from Numaish Chowrangi around 2:00 pm and conclude on M.A. Jinnah Road after evening prayers.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), with support from the Sindh government, has established a temporary market comprising over 350 stalls at the Baradari side of Bagh-i-Jinnah (Polo Ground) to assist vendors affected by the recent Gul Plaza tragedy.
The initiative aims to make effective use of available land to quickly restore business activities while providing a convenient and accessible space for both vendors and the public. The setup enables affected vendors to resume sales promptly and helps revive local economic activity.
KMC officials stated that special attention was given to site selection and land management to ensure a safe and organized environment for both vendors and citizens, promoting orderly commerce and efficient utilization of urban space.